In the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game, a young Seattle speedster named Corbin Carroll led off as the center fielder, while a tall and athletic kid from small-town Alabama named Gunnar Henderson played third base. Little did we know that this pairing was a sneak peek into the future of MLB’s 2023 Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year class.
Fast forward to Monday night, and Carroll of the D-backs and Henderson of the Orioles were announced on MLB Network as unanimous winners of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America rookie honors in the National and American Leagues, respectively. This marked the fifth time in history that both Rookie of the Year winners received unanimous votes.
Their journey from amateur prospects at Wrigley Field to MLB Rookies of the Year exemplifies the remarkable impact these two young players had on their teams. Henderson’s defensive prowess and offensive firepower played a crucial role in the Orioles’ surprising AL East win, while Carroll’s unique combination of speed and power helped the D-backs secure the NL pennant.
Entering the league as the top two prospects in 2023, Henderson and Carroll not only lived up to the expectations but surpassed them. Henderson, overcoming a slow start, showcased defensive brilliance at third base and shortstop, leading all AL rookies in bWAR (6.2) and fWAR (4.6). His 28 homers, nine triples, 82 RBIs, and 100 runs scored made him a standout contributor.
Congratulations, Gunnar on being named the 2023 Jackie Robinson AL Rookie of the Year! What a cool moment, I was happy to be a part of it. @Orioles @MLBNetwork pic.twitter.com/ibcJXliohH
— Cal Ripken, Jr. (@CalRipkenJr) November 13, 2023
Meanwhile, Carroll made history with his unprecedented 25 homers and 54 steals, marking him as the first rookie ever to achieve a 25-50 season. His electrifying performance extended into the postseason, propelling the D-backs to their first World Series appearance since 2001.
The future is in good hands. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/xd6Jac6tfb
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) November 14, 2023
Both players faced challenges, with Henderson overcoming an early-season slump and Carroll navigating the pressures of high expectations. Henderson’s defensive excellence, with 10 defensive runs saved at shortstop and three at third base, added to his offensive prowess.
As Henderson and Carroll received the unanimous Rookie of the Year nod, they became forever linked, from their showcase days to now being foundational players for their respective teams. The 2023 season showcased not only their individual brilliance but also the transformative impact young talent can have on the MLB landscape.